Oakleaf senior Melvin Briley burst onto the national scene last year after jumping 49'1.25" to win the Galleria Games in Alabama. Briley went onto win the 4A state title in the triple jump and recently signed a scholarship with the University of South Florida. We caught up with him to talk about being the top ranked returning triple jumper this indoor season, heading back to the Yellowhammer State, goals for the year, and more.
What have you been working on specifically with your jumping since last year?
I have specifically been focusing on explosion drills in hopes to increase my 2nd phase and allow for smoother transitions between phases. All of my offseason training has been a mixture of intense and light work, in order to keep my body in shape and away from injury.
Training wise, I feel as though I am well prepared to surprise even myself. I'm excited to see what all of this training has led to!
Last year, I remember the meet taking a very long time. I was scheduled to jump at 2:00 p.m. but first calls for triple jump (my age group) were made at 8:00 p.m. I was at a point that I wasn't nervous anymore and wanted to get my jumps over with. It was as if a peice of me was hype and ready to show out. My first jump was a mid 47 footer off my weak foot. That jump was already a PR from the previous season by 2 feet. I knew I had more in me & told my coach (John Carter) I wanted to hit 48. Sure enough, my second jump was a 48 footer. I couldn't even process what was going on because I was so happy. But I told myself that I knew I wasn't done. Before my last jump I whispered to myself over and over again, "49, 49, 49, get it!" And sure enough my last jump was a 49'1. My energy at that meet was amazing, and if there were finals, I would have really surprised myself.
I have my goals for this weekend written in my spikes, and I have decided to humbly keep them to myself. Hahaha not even my parents know what I am shooting for. I compete well knowing that I didn't get anyone's hopes up about my performances. I have kind of been this way for years when it comes to competing.
I don't feel any pressure because now I feel like I can compete at my own pace. I have goals in place for this entire season. As I reach those goals, I am aware that there is a possibility that I stand out among the other jumpers.
What are going to be the keys to success for you this weekend?
The key to my success this weekend all depends on how strong I remain mentally. This can make or break me with anything i do!
I know you did indoor nationals as well and were 9th last year. Is that the only other meet on your indoor schedule?
I plan to go back to NBNI and hope to make it to Virginia showcase! We will see what happens leading up to those meets performance wise!
